Imran Tahir sent Edgbaston into absolute bedlam after taking the first ever hat-trick in The Hundred competition and winning the match for the Birmingham Phoenix against the Welsh Fire.
Leg-spinner Tahir dismissed Qais Ahmed, Matt Milnes and David Payne in consecutive balls to wrap up a comprehensive victory for the Midlands outfit and finish with five wickets in total.
Ahmed misread Tahir's trademark googly and as a result scooped the ball up into the air leaving Will Smeed to take a simple catch. Milnes was also unable to predict the spin and was struck on the pads directly in front of the wickets, before David Payne was beaten all ends up with his stumps left in tatters.
Tahir, who is renowned for his exuberant celebrations, immediately took off on a lap of the pitch while his team-mates chased in disbelief. The Edgbaston crowd was barely able to contain itself as Birmingham Phoenix won by a gigantic 93 runs.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the game, Tahir looked to defer credit for the team's success to the batsmen who had racked up an enormous total of 184 for 5. Tahir said: "I think our batters set the tone for us and gave us a big total to defend. Our seamers did a good job in the first four or five overs. My job is to take wickets and I have done that.
"I have to say that coming here to play in front of the crowds here is a great feeling. I hope they keep supporting The Hundred and the cricket."
When asked about his jubilant response to the hat-trick, the 42-year-old made it clear that the celebration comes as a product of him enjoying playing cricket. He said: "I don't think things for granted in cricket. Every opportunity is an honour for me.
"I need to be sincere to my job. I knew what I was going to bowl for the hat-rick ball. I bowled a quick googly and it worked."
Birmingham Phoenix captain Moeen Ali and Smeed both scored half-centuries to set the platform for the team, who now sit at the top of The Hundred table in the men's competition. They play Trent Rockets on Friday in a clash which could have big implications for the final standings.
